Liverpool To Address Midfield Issue

It is reported that Liverpool are lining up moves for Athletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, Barcelona's Mali midfielder Seydo Keita
and Lille playmaker Eden Hazard.
Liverpool will also watch FC Basil midfielder Granit Xhaka in action this week, after director of football Damien Comolli received glowing reports on the 19 year old starlet.

Well there's no smoke without fire and our midfield appears to be a priority.

We should always be looking to evolve and improve - always. We did In the glory days and even pre H & G. You know it, I know it and, most importantly Kenny knows it.

It therefore comes as no surprise that we'll try to build on what we have and it's great to be, once again, linked with quality (if costly players). I, for one, welcome it. Onwards and upwards.

It is reported that Liverpool are lining up moves for Athletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, Barcelona's Mali midfielder Seydo Keita
and Lille playmaker Eden Hazard.
Liverpool will also watch FC Basil midfielder Granit Xhaka in action this week, after director of football Damien Comolli received glowing reports on the 19 year old starlet.

Well there's no smoke without fire and our midfield appears to be a priority.

where is the transfer rumor thread!!

 Absolutely fully behind this one. If we are going to not only get into the top four but actually challenge for the title, we are going to need better players. That doesn't mean that all of our players aren't decent, all of them have really good games on occasions, but better players have better games more often. Too many average players mean you get too many average results, and to my mind all three of the players mentioned would get lots of games for us.

 Hazard in particular is a player I've liked a lot on the occasions I've seen him, and we need an explosive wide midfielder. It's definately the case I think that in central midfield we can't expect Gerrard to be fit all the time and play all the games, while Charlie Adam has played every match this season and it's unrealistic to expect him to do that and lead us to a title challenge as well. other two midfielders would give us balance and in the case of Martinez I'm sure would be a first team regular. Keita I think would challenge Lucas extremely hard for the holding midfielder slot (if I'm thinking about the right player that is).

 I'm absolutely convinced though that we also need another striker, at least one.   

I'm sure we will look to bring players in the summer, I will though take any names with a pinch of salt until anything happens. I'm fairly sure the way we are working again now that any leaks won't come from our end..

I'm fairly sure we will be looking to improve on what we have now, it's the only way to keep moving forward.

Looking forward to the summer.

It is reported that Liverpool are lining up moves for Athletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, Barcelona's Mali midfielder Seydo Keita
and Lille playmaker Eden Hazard.
Liverpool will also watch FC Basil midfielder Granit Xhaka in action this week, after director of football Damien Comolli received glowing reports on the 19 year old starlet.

Well there's no smoke without fire and our midfield appears to be a priority.

I'll wait and see on this, it has been reported in the Mirror, so I wouldn't like to guess on how true this is.

Rumours of players coming here is just almost as true as players leaving.

I'll believe it when it happens but I would love it to happen!

Wouldn't have a problem with any of these players joining us. It is clear to everyone that midfield is the major area of concern.

I don't think these rumours about top players coming to the club do us any favours. They just whet the appetite and then when we sign some lesser known player instead , which sadly given our financial situation we usually do, the player suffers by comparison and years of questions asking why did we not sign Silva/Mata/Villa etc etc instead.   

John Henry as already said that Liverpool will only spend money that we generate, so while like the rest I will hope for the superstars, I will wait till they have signed before dancing on the moon, and won't take it out on the players we do sign if they don't quite match the superstar status of those we don't sign.

I disagree S@int, after hearing Comolli saying top players want to join us and Ian Ayre stating that we have funds to compete with other clubs, I'm fairly optimistic 

I disagree S@int, after hearing Comolli saying top players want to join us and Ian Ayre stating that we have funds to compete with other clubs, I'm fairly optimistic 

I think you are missing my main point mate (if I had one )

Javi Martinez and Eden Hazard? Yes please...

I have to say, I don't really care what the name or pricetag of the players we buy is, just as long as we are strengthening our best 11 and not buying squad players again this summer.  We have a good, deep squad that can cope with a few injuries/suspensions.  However, we are still in desperate need of another creative influence who can unlock a tight defense and score/create goals against teams that park the bus against us.  A player like Hazard/Affelay/Krasic/Lucas (not Leiva) who can give us that extra bit of flair to help turn some of those pesky draws into wins.

Macedonian_Stuey 

Macedonian_Stuey 

Better check those IP addresses forthwith. 

It is reported that Liverpool are lining up moves for Athletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, Barcelona's Mali midfielder Seydo Keita
and Lille playmaker Eden Hazard.
Liverpool will also watch FC Basil midfielder Granit Xhaka in action this week, after director of football Damien Comolli received glowing reports on the 19 year old starlet.

Well there's no smoke without fire and our midfield appears to be a priority.

Nice one Stuey.
Any chance you can consecutively post some new football kits while your at it.
Cheers.

Macedonian_Stuey 

Was about to post that myself. 

Liverpool Echo

                                      Reds To Target Big Names - Comolli

                Damien Comolli says Liverpool's return to Europe will hep them attract "big" new players this summer.
                The Reds Carling cup success guarantee's them a Europa League spot next season, but of course
                they will be desperate to secure a Champion's League place by finishing in the top four in the
                Premier League.
                Director of football Comolli however, revealed that potential targets have already been identified
                and says the club's return to continental competitions will make them a more attractive proposition.

                                       http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2012/02/28/liverpool-fc-damien-comolli-eager-to-attract-big-names-to-anfield-after-carling-cup-win-100252-30420082/                                                 

where is the transfer rumor thread!!

Think JD removed it until something worthwhile happened mate, couldn't find it meself.

Keita? He's older. He can help out in the midfield but it's not an investment for the future, certainly. Now Javi Martinez on the other hand, well...jizz.

Some good players named in there, unfortunately I don't see us landing Javi Martinez- first of all Athletic are one point back of champions' league and if they make it I think their players will all stay. But if he does move I think it would be to Real Madrid, Marca have already come out and said he's Mou's number one target.

Hopefully these rumors are true though, would love to see Hazard in here especially.

And if we're looking at the midfield how about Younes Belhanda from Montpellier? Would love him here

What this thread needs are some Youtube videos...

I've got this:

•|| || • Javi Martínez • || || • ( 24 ) ☆ Nuestro Pulmón ☆ Goles Athletic Club Bilbao

Eden Hazard - HZ26 - Skills and Goals

Hopefully these rumors are true though, would love to see Hazard in here especially.

And if we're looking at the midfield how about Younes Belhanda from Montpellier? Would love him here

Comolli states that target's "have been identified" that's about as positive as it gets buddy.

Comolli states that target's "have been identified" that's about as positive as it gets buddy.

great point mate, and on top of that its reassuring that the rumors aren't about the likes of Carlton Cole or Luke Young like they were a year and a half ago

Jen Chang ‏ @JenChang88
@Kopstu as for Martinez/Hazard, interest not same as a bid, bid not same as a deal, but I think LFC summer bids are certainly possible

God I hope this comes off

Out of interest who is Jen Chang?

Don't go for these rumour people who pretend to know stuff normally.. Very skeptical of these people generally so never look for them.
Not being funny just wondering who they are?

Out of interest who is Jen Chang?

Don't go for these rumour people who pretend to know stuff normally.. Very skeptical of these people generally so never look for them.
Not being funny just wondering who they are?

The Echo report with the Comolli statement of intent seems to put the rumour side of things to bed mate, the midfield really is a priority right now and the owners appear to be aware of the situation.

Out of interest who is Jen Chang?

Don't go for these rumour people who pretend to know stuff normally.. Very skeptical of these people generally so never look for them.
Not being funny just wondering who they are?

He's the senior editor at Sports Illustrated.

http://twitter.com/#!/jenchang88

The Echo report with the Comolli statement of intent seems to put the rumour side of things to bed mate.

DC doesn't name names though does he?

I'm sure he is telling the absolute truth that we are in talks with players but until it happens the actual names are still rumours?

Wasn't bring funny stu I just wondered who this Jen Chang was is all.

He's the senior editor at Sports Illustrated.

http://twitter.com/#!/jenchang88

Cheers Racer... Normally get things right does he?

Wasn't being funny I just think "some" of these types love people to think they know what's happening when we have made it clear as a club that our business won't be done publically..

DC doesn't name names though does he?

I'm sure he is telling the absolute truth that we are in talks with players but until it happens the actual names are still rumours?

Wasn't bring funny stu I just wondered who this Jen Chang was is all.

Chang was only responding to somebody asking him a question anyway, so I wouldn't use his association with the links as
a means to add any semblance of credibility to either players link.

He's the senior editor at Sports Illustrated.

http://twitter.com/#!/jenchang88

Now we're all wiser PD - cheers racer.

Chang was only responding to somebody asking him a question anyway, so I wouldn't use his association with the links as
a means to add any semblance of credibility to either players link.

Was all I meant... Just more eloquently put.

Was all I meant... Just more eloquently put.

Ah shucks.

Since we're talking Liverpool potential midfield targets.

It has been revealed that Liverpool are watching Hertha Berlin midfielder Raffael.

Kicker revealed that the Premier League giants are among clubs watching the Brazilian this season.

The South American’s contract has two more years to run and he has a market value of around £7m and that has not deterred Kenny Dalglish’s side or Lazio and Sampdoria from expressing an interest.

http://specials.forbes.com/article/0c0Bc3sd3i1dx

Normally get things right does he?

No more or less than any other if truth be told P_d but some on here tend to lend more weight behind his brand of speculation. I guess that's because he's less of a 'sensationalist'. Anyway...

Back on topic; it would be nice to get a few of these names if, for no other reason, it means we don't have to put up with wannabe scouts whining about "who we should have bought"... oh... and (more importantly) they'll strengthen our team.   

Jen Chang is the lad that said last summer downing was our number 1 choice and Mata was number 2. We wanted downing ahead of Mata.  So im hoping he talks a bit of sh*te.

FF's here we f***in go, the season hasn't finished and yet potential signings are being linked to our club, who dreams up this bollocks? for all we know Damiens players could be Messi, Fabregas and Ronaldo, or maybe Bale, Rooney or Villa, might even be Torres, or Adebayor,

it's f***in pathetic, i will start believing when i see the evidence, the players mentioned are indeed quality but come on, lets just wait and see what transpires around July and August.

I've given up being arsed what some Twitter superstar says or what the Red tops print in an attempt to sell more papers.

Experience has shown me over 90% of speculation spouted in relation to transfers ultimately tends to be bullshit.

When they're at Melwood, wearing the red shirt and shaking Kenny's hand, then I'll take notice.

When they're at Melwood, wearing the red shirt and shaking Kenny's hand, then I'll take notice.

Spot on that Danny!

Perhaps if these rumours became more widespread it would put pressure on the current midfield? I don't know whether that would be a good thing or a bad thing. Adam isn't a player who should be starting for Liverpool week in week out so we need another player in his position but it's also important not to limit the chances of Jordan Henderson. Yes he's not exactly set the world alight but he's a work in progress, just like Lucas was.

And dare I say it perhaps it's best to start looking for a long term replacement for Steven Gerrard. Clearly someone of Hazard's quality would fit the bill incredibly well as the new midfield talisman but that seems but a dream at the moment.

Perhaps if these rumours became more widespread it would put pressure on the current midfield? I don't know whether that would be a good thing or a bad thing. Adam isn't a player who should be starting for Liverpool week in week out so we need another player in his position but it's also important not to limit the chances of Jordan Henderson. Yes he's not exactly set the world alight but he's a work in progress, just like Lucas was.

And dare I say it perhaps it's best to start looking for a long term replacement for Steven Gerrard. Clearly someone of Hazard's quality would fit the bill incredibly well as the new midfield talisman but that seems but a dream at the moment.

To be honest I wouldn't think the reaction of the current midfielders is of any consequence, it is very likely the indiviuals to be replaced are in the system already and apart from some miraculous transformation they are ex players.
As I posted earlier Comolli's statement adds some wieght to the rumour not foregoing the fact that the present midfield set up is not acceptable as a Liverpool standard.
Gerrard's long term replacement will come into the equation as a matter of course no doubt.

We defo need to sign a top class centre midfielder in the Summer

What"s happening is that there"s no info coming out of Anfield and the media are putting 2+2 together and coming up with 5, it"s bollocks is what it is, the dogs on the streets know that the club are going to splash some cash, and we all know there will be wage restrictions, would Hazard be happy earning 100-120k a week if some club like Citeh offers much more? I don"t think so, we"ll wait and see.

Hazard said the most important thing for him is playing.

Hazard said the most important thing for him is playing.

Mickey?

Not to piss on the Hazard bonfire, but didn't he do an interview a few weeks ago stating he would be willing to join any of the Top 6 teams in England, but conveniently forgot to miss Liverpool off his list as he was reciting the names of every top club in the country?

No Eden.

I think we would all love players of his standard at the club.. I won't be getting carried away though until he is putting pen to paper..

We should remember who we are Hazard has talked about going to Spurs so defo realistic he comes to us.

Not seen enough of Hazard to be honest.

Martinez looks a good player, but yet again not seen that much of him. Mainly Barca and Real on Sky usually although I watched Bilbao the other week and Martinez played well.

Think we can all agree that we need to improve our midfield (centrally and on the wings too) to have a shot at the title.

I think in the future we will need to replace Adam in midfield, if we are realistically going to challenge for the Premier League.

I think in the future we will need to replace Adam in midfield, if we are realistically going to challenge for the Premier League.

I'm completely guessing here, but I think one of Shelvey or Henderson were hoped to be Gerrard's eventual replacement in a few years. And Adam was merely hoped to be Gerrard's capable backup in the shortterm. If that is Adam's role next year when Lucas is back, I'm ok with that.

But somewhere in midfield we need one more really solid player added to the mix (someone better than Henderson or Adam are right now).  The safe move is to get someone for Lucas' role as we want to ease him back in carefully. Someone better than the wee man (who I like but he's not quite the level we need).

Martinez was linked to us many times under Rafa

Said for a long time now I've a feeling about Hazard, things just seem to be playing along with my gut instinct that he'll be heading our way. Could of course be wrong and I have absolutely no inside information other than reading between the lines of the protracted saga there and his many press releases about his obvious move somewhere in the summer.

As for Javi Martinez, no idea, wouldn't say no though. Glad to be linked with top class talent again though that is for sure, let's secure 4th spot and bring in a top drawer striker too and I'm sure we'll all be happy.

I'm completely guessing here, but I think one of Shelvey or Henderson were hoped to be Gerrard's eventual replacement in a few years. And Adam was merely hoped to be Gerrard's capable backup in the shortterm. If that is Adam's role next year when Lucas is back, I'm ok with that.

But somewhere in midfield we need one more really solid player added to the mix (someone better than Henderson or Adam are right now).  The safe move is to get someone for Lucas' role as we want to ease him back in carefully. Someone better than the wee man (who I like but he's not quite the level we need).

I would certainly like to see more of Shelvey in the side, seems to have returned a much improved player since his loan spell at Blackpool.

Mickey?

No silly... Jermain... no wait that's Defo or is it Defoe?

No it's defo Defoe. 

All quality players although I haven't seen too much of Hazard and would be welcome additions to the squad.

I always believe in strengthening the side in all positions and fully expect a fair few signings in the summer particularly in the midfield and forward positions.

Martinez was heavily linked to us as a replacement for Xabi at the time, we plumped for Aquilani probably due to the repayments schedule which Hicks and Gillette wanted to use so they could use most of the 30 million to pay off the interest repayments

Hazard would be an absoloutely fantastic signing.

May as well open up a Summer Transfer Board.  Otherwise these threads will take over the Kop board in the coming months....

It is reported that Liverpool are lining up moves for Athletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, Barcelona's Mali midfielder Seydo Keita
and Lille playmaker Eden Hazard.
Liverpool will also watch FC Basil midfielder Granit Xhaka in action this week, after director of football Damien Comolli received glowing reports on the 19 year old starlet.

Well there's no smoke without fire and our midfield appears to be a priority.

Great ..if true hope this is going to happen but i have a feeling.....

I don't know why we need another CM all year we have been playing 4 4 2 and we have two of the best mid fielders in the world Lucas Gerrard i know about injuries but that's where Henderson and Adam come in. Dont tell me Adam and Henderson are not great squad players. Especially Henderson as a player for the future. If we were to sign anyone in the middle i would want someone over 30+. I bit like Bellers, someone who doesn't want to play every game and very good.

I don't know why we need another CM all year we have been playing 4 4 2 and we have two of the best mid fielders in the world Lucas Gerrard i know about injuries but that's where Henderson and Adam come in. Dont tell me Adam and Henderson are not great squad players. Especially Henderson as a player for the future. If we were to sign anyone in the middle i would want someone over 30+. I bit like Bellers, someone who doesn't want to play every game and very good.

I disagree mate, Henderson may well come good, but Midfield is too important to have an ineffective player taking up a place in the team, at the minute Henderson is a bit of a headless chicken, plenty of effort, but no real impact. Lucas has been one of my favs since he came here, but we don't know what he'll be like after his injury.
Signing a world class CM will create more compitition for places and make Henderson and others raise their game.

Think we need another defensive midfielder in the squad, but more than anything i think we need top creative midfielder. Weather I'ts a winger or a player between striker and midfield. Someone who can brake defenses down at home.

We clearly need a centre midfielder. I absolutely hate the flat 4-4-2 we have used in games this season.

Great ..if true hope this is going to happen but i have a feeling.....

If we get half mate I'll be well happy.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7554121/

Keita Seems interested in coming to us in the summer,I think he will be 33 then,So going on the owners principles cant see it happening,Hazard is a must for the midfield and Javi Martinez would be another great option.

I personally think those names linked to us is just paper talk. The club will have identified targets for the Summer transfer window but not want them to be known publicly.

I take heart from this statement by Comolli regarding signings: "We already know there are big players who want to join us because they believe in the project and what Kenny and the club are trying to do."

Having said that, Hazard would be a great signing, as would Martinez.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7554121/

Keita Seems interested in coming to us in the summer,I think he will be 33 then,So going on the owners principles cant see it happening,Hazard is a must for the midfield and Javi Martinez would be another great option.

Disagree on Keita, it does not go against the owners principals it depends on the contract itself, a 2 year deal a reasonable wages and transfer fee would not stop it from happening. A 5 year deal at high wages however would stop it dead in it's tracks. This whole moneyball idea does not discount the possibility of older players it just prevents making long term commitments @ unreasonable wages.

Disagree on Keita, it does not go against the owners principals it depends on the contract itself, a 2 year deal a reasonable wages and transfer fee would not stop it from happening. A 5 year deal at high wages however would stop it dead in it's tracks. This whole moneyball idea does not discount the possibility of older players it just prevents making long term commitments @ unreasonable wages.

I could be swayed by your comment Erik if I hadn't been totally convinced of the ageist views of the owners concerning their concept of the side in the long term. They are apparently at ease with the age issue of our existing players but are unwilling to sign players of a certain age. 

Explain Bellamy though.

Explain Bellamy though.

Money (the saving of).
Seriously mate you know as I do Kenny was fully aware of his qualities and skill, not forgetting of course the man's love for the club, in the short term Craig was too good to turn down.   

Explain Bellamy though.

The best deal we got in a while.

I could be swayed by your comment Erik if I hadn't been totally convinced of the ageist views of the owners concerning their concept of the side in the long term. They are apparently at ease with the age issue of our existing players but are unwilling to sign players of a certain age. 

Well they have done it numerous times with the club here in Boston Stu. It's all about the price and length of the commitment.

They are not going to pay a 20+ million transfer fee and give a 5 year 120k/week contract to a 30 year old.

Could not see an issue on a 5 million transfer fee and 50-90k a week 2 year contract being an issue.

While that 30 year old may not be a long term answer he sure could fill a short term void. As you mention Bellers I think in hindsight if you asked the owners if he was worth a 5M transfer fee would they have still done it the answer you would get is yes, in a heartbeat.

This moneyball concept only goes so far, and honestly the idea of moneyball has nothing to do with age but finding value within a position relative to peers.

Makes sense, AZPatriot.

Maybe it's not that they don't want to sign players over a certain age but they'd just prefer to tie younger players to longer contracts.

A lenghty contract to the likes of Suarez, Carroll, Henderson and such but if they were to bring in a player on the wrong side of 25, they'd at most, give him a short contract if they see him doing the job Kenny wants.

Anyways, I'd be happy to see Hazard and Martinez here. ..

This so called "money-ball " strategey,would only fit as a long term strategy.This club needs to be in the Champions league,the season after next,without fail.Our Owners and Manager,are geared up for this.I personally believe,that our next summer signings,will help us achieve this.

Makes sense, AZPatriot.

Maybe it's not that they don't want to sign players over a certain age but they'd just prefer to tie younger players to longer contracts.

A lenghty contract to the likes of Suarez, Carroll, Henderson and such but if they were to bring in a player on the wrong side of 25, they'd at most, give him a short contract if they see him doing the job Kenny wants.

Anyways, I'd be happy to see Hazard and Martinez here. ..

Hammer, Nail and Head Adryan

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeee, more transfer rumours. God I've missed them. Quick someone hose me down with cold water before I get overly excited and wet me kecks. Maybe tomorrow I can wake up and read we're back in the race for Carlton Cole or maybe we've been linked with some 10 year old Bolivian that the usual suspects know all about because they watch every single u-11s Bolivian League game.

Second thoughts, I don't think I will get excited. Instead I'll do what I usually do which is as follows: sit and wait until a new player is on the Anfield turf with Kenny Dalglish and a scarf above his head. Until then, I'm leaving this thread.

interesting to think what our midfield stocks could look like next season. if we add someone of first XI quality, shelvey will have to go on a season long loan, hopefully in the premiership. i can't see him getting the minutes if this is the case. spearing, well if we bring someone who can defend in then with a fit lucas and the new player spearing will have to be content with being a squad player. he may be fine with that or may like to play regular football, again he could play for a premiership club surely. i'm not sure which way it will go for spearo.. he isn't 24 yet and there's room for improvement like we saw with lucas, but he may also be on his way at the end of the season.. i don't think that's as likely as him being a squad player, but who knows.

Well they have done it numerous times with the club here in Boston Stu. It's all about the price and length of the commitment.

They are not going to pay a 20+ million transfer fee and give a 5 year 120k/week contract to a 30 year old.

Could not see an issue on a 5 million transfer fee and 50-90k a week 2 year contract being an issue.

While that 30 year old may not be a long term answer he sure could fill a short term void.

This moneyball concept only goes so far, and honestly the idea of moneyball has nothing to do with age but finding value within a position relative to peers.

Which is exactly the situation I was talking about mate, when I referred to an "ageist" policy and "signing players of a certain age on a long term contract.
Of course there are exceptions, a scenario such as this is faulted if inflexible but financially and practically any candidates in the 30 ish scheme of things will require a more prudent approach     

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeee, more transfer rumours. God I've missed them. Quick someone hose me down with cold water before I get overly excited and wet me kecks. Maybe tomorrow I can wake up and read we're back in the race for Carlton Cole or maybe we've been linked with some 10 year old Bolivian that the usual suspects know all about because they watch every single u-11s Bolivian League game.

Second thoughts, I don't think I will get excited. Instead I'll do what I usually do which is as follows: sit and wait until a new player is on the Anfield turf with Kenny Dalglish and a scarf above his head. Until then, I'm leaving this thread.

Be careful Billy,(Kate), your cynicism may offend,and remember, you are being Watched !   

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeee, more transfer rumours. God I've missed them. Quick someone hose me down with cold water before I get overly excited and wet me kecks. Maybe tomorrow I can wake up and read we're back in the race for Carlton Cole or maybe we've been linked with some 10 year old Bolivian that the usual suspects know all about because they watch every single u-11s Bolivian League game.

Second thoughts, I don't think I will get excited. Instead I'll do what I usually do which is as follows: sit and wait until a new player is on the Anfield turf with Kenny Dalglish and a scarf above his head. Until then, I'm leaving this thread.

Know what you're saying Billy about targets, rumour, suggestion and the word unconfirmed, there is a world of difference between these terms and Kenny's handshake.
As a general rule hysteria and speculation are a no no, but when realism rears it's ugly face a statement of intent is a welcome ingredient, albeit by an individual that can affect the ugly face spoken of - Damien Comolli fits that description and his comments about 'new signings' do seem to carry more weight than the hysterical media clamour.
This thread was started on the back of our midfield situation which some see as a cause for concern and Comolli's statement so soon after the event - that would suggest that he is of the same opinion.
There might be just a bit more meat on the rumour bone mate with this one.

Be careful Billy,(Kate), your cynicism may offend,and remember, you are being Watched !   

Everyone watches him, you don't see the f**ker for ages and he pops up where you least expect it and then he's gone -  shadey comes to mind. 

I'm personally wary about Hazard and still think he has lots to prove. Yes he looks fantastic but he's doing in a league that Joe Cole is tearing up right now. Thinks stronger, pacier defenders may make things more difficult for Hazard than people are anticipating.

I still think he's worth a shot but wouldn't be tempted to pay more than 20 million for him.

Martinez is a must if we can get him.

Lucas+Javi Martinez would be a fvkn dream, I believe though that Real Madrid are tracking him (Javi)

What this thread needs are some Youtube videos...

Disagree strongly.  I think it's far more important to draw a potential starting XI with both new 'recruits' in the team.  Then we know sh*t's real and we've got a legit transfer thread on our hands.

Know what you're saying Billy about targets, rumour, suggestion and the word unconfirmed, there is a world of difference between these terms and Kenny's handshake.
As a general rule hysteria and speculation are a no no, but when realism rears it's ugly face a statement of intent is a welcome ingredient, albeit by an individual that can affect the ugly face spoken of - Damien Comolli fits that description and his comments about 'new signings' do seem to carry more weight than the hysterical media clamour.
This thread was started on the back of our midfield situation which some see as a cause for concern and Comolli's statement so soon after the event - that would suggest that he is of the same opinion.

The problem is Stu that Comolli hasn't named any players and I really doubt he will. The papers just take his comments and add a few "hot properties" to sell papers. I really hope players of this caliber are on his list, but at best this is rumour based on where the media see our interests might lie, at worst the usual crap dreamed up to make a comment on our ability to attract better players now we are back in Europe, into a wankfest of the top players we might attract.

Personally my first priority in the summer would be for a clinical striker, as it has been lack of goals not lack of chances created that have cost us this season imo. Sadly I don't see Suarez and Carroll ever getting the 40 or so goals a season we need, and while both will play a large part in our future a third striker is our first priority imo.

Disagree strongly.  I think it's far more important to draw a potential starting XI with both new 'recruits' in the team.  Then we know sh*t's real and we've got a legit transfer thread on our hands.

Done!
As a bonus I've even thrown in who I think we should have on the other wing,
just to somehow make myself look like I know what I'm doing...

Done!
As a bonus I've even thrown in who I think we should have on the other wing,
just to somehow make myself look like I know what I'm doing...

Might as well go all out and add in all our realistic transfer targets in the summer Racer 

 Message to Kenny Dalglish,there is no need to worry about racer getting your job Not a bad try though racer.

Might as well go all out and add in all our realistic transfer targets in the summer Racer 

Stoke would have that team all winter.

It needs adressing, we need both more flair, pace and grit.

...and we'll take Robben on a free.

Might as well go all out and add in all our realistic transfer targets in the summer Racer 

Not a bad side mate, but without Adam it looks a bit weak in midfield

Alves wont do mate good going forward but Kelly is a better defender.

Ah sure we can play him on the wing.

What this thread needs are some Youtube videos...

I've got this:

•|| || • Javi Martínez • || || • ( 24 ) ☆ Nuestro Pulmón ☆ Goles Athletic Club Bilbao

Eden Hazard - HZ26 - Skills and Goals

*Younes Belhanda10* Montpellier SC 2012 HD

holy sh*t that guy's good and he would fit right in (he hit the woodwork a few times)